John Pucher (cycling guru and Professor of Transport Policy at Rutgers university) gave a public lecture on cycling in cities in LA earlier this week, introducing his new book “City Cycling” to an attentive audience. Kent Strumpell of the City of LA Bicycle Advisory Committee was there taking notes. Which he kindly shares with us here:

John Pucher talk at UCLA Lewis Center Transportation Lecture Series
Oct. 31, 2012
Promoting Cycling and Walking for Sustainable Cities: Lessons from Europe and North America
Introduced by Martin Wachs

Great presentation, good turnout. Of course many of us have heard much of this before, but still, it was good to hear it well-compiled by a respected and passionate academic on the subject. My notes below.

Pucher (Rutgers Univ) has a book that just came out, City Cycling (and affordable at $17). Much of the presentation was from the book.

– coordinate advocacy and planning with local state and fed orgs (and agencies?)

Re question about use of helmets, Pucher cited the test a guy did where he donned various outfits to see how he’d be treated by motorists. A grey haired woman w/out helmet weaving a bit got the most room; male with helmet in lycra on expensive bike got treated worst.

Bio: Trained as a development economist, Eric Britton is MD of EcoPlan International, an independent advisory network providing strategic counsel for government and business on policy and decision issues involving complex systems, social-technical change and sustainable development. His forthcoming book, “Convergence: Toward a General Theory of Transport in Cities”, is being presented, discussed and critiqued in a series of international conferences, master classes, workshops and media events over 2015. You can contact Britton via email at eric.britton@ecoplan.org. Tel: +336 50888 0787. Skype: newmobility/ - - > More from “Happy city” at http://wp.me/psKUY-3RH